Therapists for college students near Portland, OR

Hello! I am an Expressive Arts Therapist based in Portland, OR. In my practice I use art, crafts and sensory tools to support our work when words and verbal processing feel challenging. If you are a verbal processor, you're also welcome here! I usually work with folks who are queer and/or neurodivergent. I tend to work best with introverts or ambiverts, creative folks and those who identify as sensitive.

Our therapists love working with college students because they are at such an important time in their lives and it’s a rich time for growth and deeper self understanding. The clients we help the most are committed to the process of self awareness and change, even if it’s hard. Going to college can be scary and bring up a lot of challenges. It can be hard to live separately from your family for the first time. There can be so many difficulties at college that you didn’t expect. We are here to help. Our therapists are relatable and effective in their work. We welcome you!

College can feel like a lot to manage at once. Classes, friendships, dating, family expectations, and trying to figure out who you are and what you’re doing with your life. I work with students who are dealing with anxiety, self-doubt, and relationship stress. A lot of the people I see are functioning well on the outside, but internally feel overwhelmed, stuck, or like they’re constantly overthinking everything. Therapy can help you quiet the mental noise, understand your emotions without getting taken over by them, and feel more grounded in your decisions and relationships. You get to slow down, sort through what’s actually going on, and focus on what matters to you. My approach is practical and collaborative. We start with your goals and what’s not working right now, then build clear, research-based strategies to help you feel better. I also pay attention to patterns, like overthinking, people-pleasing, or relationship dynamics that keep repeating, so you can understand them and shift them long-term. You know your life better than anyone. My role is to help you make sense of it and move forward in a way that feels right to you. I provide out of pocket sessions at a reduced rate with limited pro bono sessions available. If you’re curious about working together, you can reach out for a quick consultation and see if it feels like a good fit.

I'm a provider with 16 years experience working with LGBTQIA+ adult clients. My work often involves supporting folks around gender, sexuality, and family of origin issues, among all the other things people seek therapy for. I am trained in two different types of trauma therapy (EMDR and Flash) that are less talk-therapy focused, for folks who need different ways to approach things.

The therapeutic relationship is always at the core of my work with clients, and I aim to establish a sense of trust and safety with each individual. It is important to make therapy a place that feels positive and supportive… and even fun! I am trained in both traditional therapy and art therapy, and I allow my clients to choose what works best for them. I believe that most people are doing the best they can, despite the many challenges, behaviors, emotional roller coasters, and transitions that come up in life. My mission, as a therapist, is to come alongside others in a way that can support and draw out their best selves. I especially enjoy working with folks who might be struggling with issues related to identity development, anxiety, depression, or past trauma. I have training and expertise in the area of attachment and working youth who have been in foster care or adopted.

I am a 2nd gen, female, Korean-American psychologist practicing in Portland, Oregon. Growing up in a bi-cultural family, I understand the challenges of integrating aspects of culture into our identities and relationships. My hope is to build a warm, authentic, and supportive relationship with my clients to facilitate awareness and a strong sense of self. My psychotherapy style is unique to me. It is collaborative, warm, relational, and open. I integrate my specialized training in child and adolescent development, Gestalt Approaches, and EFT. Currently, I am receiving training in AEDP, which is an experiential approach focusing on using the safety and security of the therapeutic relationship to undo aloneness

We often become stuck in a pattern of viewing our world through a certain lens. Many of us do not realize that we can become empowered to view our world in a different way. I seek to help my clients create meaning in their lives through an accepting, unconditional counseling relationship. I use Cognitive Behavioral and Existential Humanistic approaches to help my clients uncover their genuine “truth” and to help them live a more fulfilling and authentic life. While we can't always change difficult situations, we can work together to view those situations through a new lens in order to create a different perspective and create effective solutions. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

Hi, I'm glad you're here. My name is Gabby Hancher (they/them). I’m a white, trans nonbinary, and queer associate therapist who has lived experience with chronic illness. I currently reside on the traditional homelands of the Clackamas, Cowlitz, and Multnomah Indigenous peoples known as Portland, OR. I am currently working towards licensure and under the clinical supervision of Quinn Rivenburgh and Selin Strait. As a young person, I often felt very different from my peers. I was highly sensitive, creative, and attuned to much of the suffering around me. The overwhelming chaos of my childhood led me to my own healing path and eventually communities who accepted me for my contemplative nature. By embracing the truth of my experiences, I found healing modalities such as Hakomi which allowed me the space to make deep internal shifts towards being my whole self. I hope to offer this same experience to you. As a therapist, I bring a playful and emotionally attuned approach with an orientation towards mindful, experiential theories such as Hakomi. Our time together will always be collaborative and informed by the wisdom of your own lived experience. Together we can explore the deep inner knowing that your body holds in order to help you thrive. In a typical session, we will slow down and listen to the wisdom of your body. Together, we can discover what it is that you need to process in order to experience more integration in your life. We may work to support your own innate resilience by developing a felt sense of safety based on your own true sense of that or use the therapeutic relationship as a container to explore attachment wounding patterns through our present moment relationship. All of these experiences can offer fundamental shifts in your overall mood, the way you show up in the world, or even in your relationships. Whether you are experiencing difficulty with grief, relationships, anxiety or any number of concerns, together we can help you orient towards your inner knowing and personal agency. I approach all of my work through a social justice lens and believe deeply that when we transform on an interpersonal level, social change ripples outwards. Accessibility, embodied experience, and trauma-informed care are important pillars of my practice. Persons of all races & ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities are welcome. I am also affirming of kink, non-traditional relationship structures such as polyamory and non-monogamy, and sex work. Some of my identities hold varying levels of privilege which I always invite conversation around in session. If you are interested in utilizing the insurances I accept, please email me at: gabby@bridgestg.com. If you are interested in private pay, please message me through my linked website. Outside of session, I can be found practicing magic in nature, reading comics under a cozy blanket, or making strange artistic creations for my loved ones. ~~~~~~~ I work best with: *Collaborative individuals *Folks who are curious about mindfulness *Folks who are creative and/or highly sensitive *Folks who identify as care-givers *Activists looking to process and integrate their experiences *Adult parentified children *Perfectionists *Queer folks who want to explore their identity more deeply *Neurodivergent individuals *Folks who feel they've gotten what they can from talk therapy and need something else *Folks who want a better relationship with their body *Folks who are committed to long-term therapeutic work At this time, I am not able to treat or assist with the following: *Couples *Disordered Eating *Substance Use/Addiction Disorders *Personality Disorders *Folks with Severe & Persistant mental health challenges *OCD and Phobias *Folks who are in high levels of crisis/instability and may need team-based care *Folks who are looking for exclusively talk therapy

I consider it a privilege to sit with individuals who feel driven to take on the challenge of personal growth. It’s hard to face the messiest parts of ourselves. We tend to avoid this at every cost, often with behaviors and habits that keep us distracted and numb. But therapy is about waking up. It’s about committing to the work of undoing old patterns that no longer serve us so we can show up more fully in our lives. I specialize in working with adults and teens (16+) who struggle with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and/or body image concerns. There isn’t one approach that works for everyone. I enjoy getting creative and finding a framework that best serves each client.

Therapy is completely different for each individual because everyone is going through different issues and have personalized goals. From a strengths-based perspective, I work to empower clients to gain the skills necessary to address and resolve problems, change behaviors, improve relationships and navigate and cope with stressors. During your session, we will explore your thoughts, feelings, habits, and experiences to gain a better understanding of yourself and to develop coping skills to achieve goals and improve your well-being. I place a strong emphasis on developing insight and empathy within a non-judgmental and compassionate environment. I have over 14 years of experience practicing as a nurse and working within social services providing counseling and care coordination to adolescents, adults, and families. My therapeutic background is rooted in medical and health psychology, assisting individuals and families coping with normal or unwanted transitions, chronic illness, end of life issues, and those experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression. ​ I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker through the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers and I am an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

College can be an amazing and exciting time while also being a time of a lot of transition and acclimating to new routines and responsibilities. I work with students to help ease the challenge that those transitions can bring whether you are on your own for the first time, or have decided to go back and get your degree at a later point in life. If you are experiencing stressors that are causing symptoms of anxiety or depression or are just looking for someone you can talk to please feel free to reach out. I'm happy to schedule a consultation if you are interested in learning more about my practice or to find out if we would be a good fit.

I have extensive experience working with undergraduate and graduate students, having worked in college counseling centers since 2009 and I enjoy supporting clients through personal identity exploration, role changes, and life transitions including sexuality and gender exploration, parenthood, and loss. Additionally, I am a supportive presence for those recovering from experiences of interpersonal violence and oppressive experiences.

As a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, I specialize in helping students navigate the unique challenges of personal, academic, and social stressors. My approach is built on understanding each individual’s story, and I offer a safe, supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe in the power of self-discovery and transformation through the therapeutic process. Billing Information: I accept OHP, OOP, and offer super bills for out of network. Approach: With a focus on anxiety, depression, self-esteem, stress management, and relationship issues, I offer a variety of therapeutic techniques tailored to your needs. Drawing from Narrative Therapy, we’ll work together to rewrite problematic stories that might be holding you back, empowering you to take control of your narrative and identity. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we’ll address unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and stress, and replace them with more balanced, realistic perspectives. I also integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), especially for those facing relationship challenges, helping you understand and improve emotional connections with others. In addition, I incorporate Existential Therapy, which encourages deep exploration of meaning, purpose, and identity, helping you find fulfillment and clarity during the sometimes overwhelming college years. Whether you’re struggling with academic pressure, navigating personal relationships, or seeking to build stronger self-worth, I’m here to help you achieve growth and healing. My approach is collaborative, empathetic, and non-judgmental, focusing on your strengths and potential. Together, we will create practical tools and strategies to build resilience, improve mental well-being, and help you thrive both personally and academically.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

The world is extra stressful right now and your plate may feel way past full. You know it's time for a change. Together we can work on overcoming stressors, calming anxiety, building self-compassion and breaking free of the cycle of worry.

Do you feel overwhelmed by that pile of laundry in the corner of your room, or that stack of dishes in the kitchen? Do you bounce your leg endlessly or fidget with anything within reach? Do you ever hyperfixate on something for hours and completely lose track of time? Are you easily distracted? Forgetful? Do you find yourself interrupting others? Are you motivated by challenge? What about urgency? If so, not to fret, you’re in the right place! I too have struggled with these same issues, but I have also learned to find the joy in my ADHD. Likewise, I would like to help you learn to harness your creativity, quick thinking, and unique perspective on life. Not only will we collaborate on discovering effective time management, emotional regulation, and organizational techniques that work for you. But we will go beyond that and bring to light the ways in which we can empower you in finding your ADHD “superpower”. Together we can explore topics such as diagnosis, medication, and accommodations. We may also discuss sensory issues, shame, relationships and whatever else you would like to bring into the room. If this sounds like a journey you’re ready to start, please reach out! I’d love to walk this path alongside you.

I have always had a passion for giving back to my community and supporting the creation of positive change in ways that are meaningful and respectful to the unique beliefs, needs, and cultures of others. As a therapist I strive to fulfill this passion by helping folks feel empowered to heal, grow, and live authentically. My work is grounded in the belief of the inherent strength of each person, and I am dedicated to helping clients build resilience, self-compassion, and agency in their lives. The approach we decide is best for you will be tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're navigating major life transitions, processing trauma, or exploring gender and sexual identity, I am here to provide a safe, empathetic, and judgment-free space—with just a touch of humor. Together, we’ll identify meaningful strategies to help you build the skills and confidence to move forward in ways that align with your values and goals. Originally from the Midwest, I earned my Bachelor’s in Social Work from Saginaw Valley State University (2017) before moving to Portland. In 2022, I completed my Masters of Social Work from the University of Denver, with an emphasis on trauma and social justice, and have since had the privilege of providing therapy at a local community mental health agency, serving a wide range of folks struggling with complex generational trauma, major life transitions, relationship issues, grief, and gender/sexual identity exploration. Through this experience, I had the privilege of further developing skills specific to LGBTQIA+ folks, a group of individuals near to my heart, which has allowed me to more meaningfully connect with, and help, my community. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me running around the city or Forest Park training for the next half-marathon, at the coast or a hiking with my two wiener dogs, and most importantly spending time with my friends and loved ones. How I Can Help If you're looking for LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy in Portland or support for anxiety, trauma, relationships, or life transitions, I’m here to help. My goal is to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care that empowers you to create meaningful change. Whether you're seeking CBT for anxiety, trauma therapy, or support navigating gender identity, I offer a collaborative, affirming, and client-centered approach to help you move forward. I offer both in-person and telehealth therapy, making it easier to access care in a way that fits your needs. Education & Licenses MSW, University of Denver (Trauma & Social Justice Focus) Clinical Social Worker, OR License #L30027

You’re carrying generational trauma. You have been navigating trauma, family hardship and stress since your childhood/adolescence. You navigate struggles with identity, self-worth, body-image and self-acceptance. You feel stuck. Relationships bring up conflict, insecurity and social anxiety. Emotions feel overwhelming and uncontrollable. You’re ready to explore a life out of “survival mode.” Together we can explore healing and how to build connection to others. You deserve to feel compassion towards tender parts of yourself and learn to trust yourself. Your trauma story has an impact, and you can heal and grow. You're worthy. My style is warm, radically compassionate and honest. I hold unconditional positive regard for you, knowing that you inherently hold wisdom. I find the core of issues, shedding light on patterns. I'm a multicultural Latina, coming from lived experiences with trauma and am committed to supporting marginalized communities healing from systemic oppression. It's brave of you to seek support. You deserve a space to be truly heard and explore your pain, anger, worry and sadness. Together, we can find clarity. My goal is to develop your capacity for ease, laughter & connection. I often work with those who identify as Latine/x, People of Color &/or Queer. Please reach out for a consultation to discuss more!

Hello, I imagine you are here because something isn’t quite right in your life, and you are seeking guidance to make positive changes. As you explore what therapy has to offer you, more clarity emerges that you are embarking on a journey into your inner life. Your inner world is comprised of images, fantasies, dreams, sensations, reflections, feelings – the entire content of your imagination. To know yourself, I encourage you to explore your feeling centers – like your heart and the gut. This brings forth the amazing potential of your life gifts and authentic Self into the world.

I work with people navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, boundary-setting, life transitions, and patterns that leave them feeling stuck or disconnected from themselves. Many of my clients are overwhelmed by stress, self-doubt, people-pleasing, or difficult past experiences that continue to impact their daily lives. Together, we explore these patterns, build on existing strengths, and create meaningful change that supports greater balance, confidence, and well-being. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each individual. I utilize an integrative framework that considers the connection between thoughts, emotions, behaviors, values, and relationships. I am also an EMDRIA-approved EMDR therapist and offer EMDR when it is clinically appropriate and aligned with your goals. Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and finding the right therapist is important. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where you can explore challenges openly and move toward the changes that matter most to you. If my approach sounds like a good fit, I welcome you to reach out.